Coroner Issues Urgent Warning on Lethal Opioid Contamination in Illicit Cannabis VapesFollowing Fatal Overdose,

OG Article By Telegraph Reporters

June 20, 2025

Authorities Highlight Risks of Nitazene-Laced Vaping Products

A senior coroner has issued a critical alert regarding the presence of nitazene, a synthetic opioid approximately 20 times more potent than fentanyl, in illicit cannabis vaping products. Sarah Bourke, Assistant Coroner for Inner North London, emphasized the "significant" risk of overdose due to the highly variable doses delivered through inhalation. The warning follows the tragic death of Frederick Ireland-Rose, who succumbed to an overdose from a contaminated cannabis vape in September 2024.

Case Overview

Frederick Ireland-Rose, aged 30, was utilizing cannabis to aid his withdrawal from opiate dependency and had purchased vape liquid refills from unregulated online sources. On September 15, 2024, he was found unresponsive at his residence, clutching a vape device. Despite initial resuscitation efforts by paramedics, he remained unconscious and was transferred to a hospital. A CT scan revealed a severe hypoxic brain injury due to oxygen deprivation, deemed incompatible with prolonged survival. Mr. Ireland-Rose passed away on September 19, 2024.

Toxicological Findings

An inquest revealed the presence of N-pyrrolidino isotonitazene, a highly potent nitazene variant, at a concentration of 0.37 ng/ml in Mr. Ireland-Rose’s blood. The toxicologist noted that this substance, estimated to be at least as potent as isotonitazene, poses an extreme risk due to its strength relative to fentanyl. Nitazenes, illicit synthetic opioids, have recently emerged in the UK’s heroin supply and are now being detected in refillable and illicitly sourced vaping products. Coroner Bourke highlighted that users are likely unaware of nitazene contamination and lack access to naloxone, the opioid-reversal agent.

Coroner’s Report and Public Health Implications

In a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, Ms. Bourke detailed that Mr. Ireland-Rose sourced cannabinoid vaping fluids from unknown overseas suppliers. No evidence suggested he used street heroin, underscoring the novel risk posed by contaminated vapes. The coroner concluded the death was drug-related, with the cause officially recorded as hypoxic brain injury and acute opioid toxicity.

The rise of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, has fueled a devastating overdose epidemic in the United States, with fatalities increasing from 2,600 in 2011 to 70,601 in 2021. The emergence of nitazenes in the UK signals a pressing need for heightened vigilance and regulatory oversight of illicit vaping products.

Call to Action

This case underscores the urgent need for public awareness, enhanced regulation of online vape markets, and improved access to naloxone to mitigate the risks of opioid contamination. Authorities are urged to take swift action to prevent further tragedies.

By Telegraph Reporters, adapted for professional tone and clarity.